“Foods, like all of nature, are made up of the five elements and consist of a unique combination of the ten pairs of opposite qualities. By understanding the qualities inherent in a food and knowing the qualities inherent in a person, how the food and a person interact becomes known. No one food is perfectly healthy for everyone. Each person is unique and so too are the foods that will support them to thrive.

Okra has a moistening effect on the body, making it a great vegetable for balancing the dryness of Vata dosha. And since it is now the time of year when Vata is most likely to go out of balance, this recipe will help ensure your Vata dosha says moist and balanced!

“If you are like many people, after your meal is done, you are ready to get on to the next activity. This is particularly true for people with a more pitta (focused and directed) nature. To the determined pitta, resting is an uncomfortable waste of time. There are plans to make and things to do. Often the mind has wandered on to the next activity as soon as, or even just before, the last bite is taken.

Now that we’re in the season of Vata, it’s particularly important to keep vata dosha in balance. When Vata goes out of balance, dry skin, gas, constipation, insomnia, anxiety and other symptoms can result.

“The sage Patanjali described a path with eight (ashta) limbs (anga) in order to quiet the mind and attain yoga or reunification with the Divine. Patanjali Yoga is called both Raja Yoga (The Royal Path) and Ashtanga Yoga (The Eight Limbs). The classical Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali should not be mixed up with the modern proprietary form of yoga called Ashtanga Yoga which was developed by Pattabhi Jois.